Florence is famous not only for its art galleries, cathedrals and palazzo, but also for its beautiful parks. We tell you about the old Boboli gardens: what is interesting there, is it worth going and where to buy tickets online.
What is worth visiting the Boboli Gardens
The history of the Boboli Gardens in Florence began in the 16th century, when the Duke Cosimo I de Medici acquired a new palazzo. In those days, there was an undeveloped hill behind the Pitti Palace, and the ruler of the city decided to turn the wasteland into a blooming garden.
The old Boboli Gardens are an excellent example of park art. Many famous European garden ensembles were designed in their likeness. You will see picturesque grottoes, old park sculptures, the Porcelain Museum, stone oaks, myrtles, slender cypresses, green lawns and flower beds with peonies, tulips and roses.
The main axial path of the park begins at the picturesque amphitheater and leads to the Pitti Palace. There is an obelisk brought to Italy from Luxor. Near the main alley there is a beautiful fountain "Neptune", and next to it there are Roman statues. A little further off, a staircase begins, along which tourists come to the hall with the muses. Many sculptures in the park have historical prototypes. So, in a fat dwarf, riding on a turtle, is depicted the Medici court jester - Pietro Barbie.
Opposite this statue is a magnificent grotto Buonalenti... The decorative decoration consists of three rooms and is designed in the form of a natural cave with limestone incrustations. Here is a copy of Michelangelo's "Slaves".
The Boboli Gardens offer wonderful views of Florence and the surrounding hills. Take a stroll through the luxurious park and hide from the hot Italian sun in the shade of spreading trees!
Where to buy tickets to Boboli Gardens
Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) are located just behind Palazzo Pitti - the former residence of the Medici.
Tickets at the box office cost 10 €. It also allows you to visit the garden of Villa Bardini. If you want to book online on the official website of the museum, you will have to pay 13 € instead of ten. An electronic ticket must be exchanged for a regular one at the ticket office, at the entrance to the park.
A package ticket for 38 € allows you to visit the Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti and the Uffizi Gallery for 3 days.
Tickets for students and children from 6 to 18 years old cost 2 €. Babies under 6 years old are admitted free of charge.
Opening hours of Boboli Gardens
Visitors are accepted daily from 8:15. Please note - opening hours vary depending on the season:
- From the beginning of November to the end of February, the territory is open until 16:30.
- In March and October - until 17:30.
- In April, May, September and October - until 18:30.
- In summer - until 19:30.
The park is closed to the public on the first and last Monday of each month, January 1, May 1 and December 25.
To Buonalenti grotto can only be accessed when accompanied by the park staff, at certain times. Any month - at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. In March, additionally at 16:00, and from April to September, additionally at 17:00.
How to get to Boboli Gardens for free
The Boboli Gardens in Florence are part of the museum complex of the Uffizi Gallery. Every year there are 10-12 days during which tourists are allowed free of charge to the gallery, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. These are January 5, February 2, March 1, March 24, May 26, June 2, June 23, August 11, October 11, October 31 and November 6.
Tips for visiting the park
There are not as many people wishing to visit the Boboli Gardens in Florence as in the Uffizi Gallery, so there are no queues at the entrance. Least of all tourists come in autumn and spring.
The park area occupies 4.5 hectares. Plan 1-1.5 hours to see it. It is more comfortable to walk on gravel paths in sports shoes or shoes with low heels. Trade in the park is prohibited, so it is better to take water and a light snack with you.
